Southwest
Big Bend National Park Tour

Duration
1-2 Days
Audio Points
90
Tour Stops
19

About The Tour

Explore one of the most diverse national parks in the United States at Big Bend. This incredible corner of the Chihuahuan Desert boasts towering canyon cliffs, open desert, forested mountains, and the life-giving Rio Grande. Along the way, you’ll spot abundant wildlife, remnants of the area’s pioneer history, and more ...

Show More
Explore one of the most diverse national parks in the United States at Big Bend. This incredible corner of the Chihuahuan Desert boasts towering canyon cliffs, open desert, forested mountains, and the life-giving Rio Grande. Along the way, you’ll spot abundant wildlife, remnants of the area’s pioneer history, and more birds and cacti species than almost anywhere in the country.

Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour!

• Experience awe-inspiring views of towering canyon walls while exploring the dramatic landscape along the Rio Grande at Santa Elena Canyon.
• Discover Chisos Basin, a mountainous sanctuary with hiking trails and panoramic vistas, offering a serene escape in the heart of Big Bend National Park.
• Wander through a picturesque river gorge at Boquillas Canyon.
• Soak in historic hot springs along the Rio Grande.
• Immerse yourself in the region's rich history at Castolon Historic District.
• Cross the Rio Grande into Mexico at Boquillas Crossing.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

Recommended Start Time: Before 9:00 a.m.
Tour Starting Point(s): The tour has two starting points: Terlingua, TX, near Gallery Chisos on Route 118, outside Maverick Junction entrance gate, and Persimmon Gap Entrance Gate, north of the park.
Time to complete: 1-2 Days

All Shaka Guide tours come with customer support and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Tours never expire.

Sample Tour Audio

Sky Islands
Your browser doesn't support HTML5 audio
Hot Springs Historic District
Your browser doesn't support HTML5 audio
The Fossils of Big Bend
Your browser doesn't support HTML5 audio

Tour Stops

Sotol Vista Overlook
Castolon
Santa Elena Canyon Trailhead
Chisos Basin
Panther Junction Visitor Center
Fossil Discovery Exhibit
Hot Springs Canyon Trailhead
Rio Grande Village Nature Trail
Boquillas Crossing
Boquillas Canyon

Tour Route


Customer Reviews

(15838)

What is there to do in Big Bend National Park?

Big Bend National Park offers a variety of activities, including hiking through scenic trails, exploring historic sites like the Chisos Mountains, stargazing in the designated Dark Sky Park, and taking river trips along the Rio Grande. You can eve...

Show More

How to Get to Big Bend National Park?

Big Bend is located in Southwest Texas, near the border with Mexico. The nearest big city is El Paso, Texas, which is about four and a half hours away. You can access the main entrance via Highway 385 from Marathon, Texas, or take Highway 118 from...

Show More

When’s the Best Time to Visit Big Bend National Park?

The best time to visit Big Bend National Park is during the fall (October to November) and spring (February to April) when temperatures are milder, wildflowers are in bloom, and outdoor activities are more enjoyable. Winter months also offer pleas...

Show More

What is an Audio Tour Guide?

Think of us as your personal tour guide in an app. Our tours provide everything a guided tour does, but with the freedom to explore on your terms. Here's how it works:

  • GPS triggers audio narration to play automatically as you drive or walk.
  • Listen to stories, get local insights, visit must-see stops and get turn-by-turn navigation.
Show More
 

Tour FAQs

Where does the Big Bend National Park Tour go?
The Big Bend National Park Tour tour has 19 stops. Check out the itinerary here for a complete list of stops and if you’re looking for more information to help plan your trip, here’s what you need to know before you go! 
What should I pack for the Big Bend National Park Tour?
Swimsuit for the hot springs and other water activitiesChanges of clothes to cross river for Santa Elena CanyonPassport for the Port of Entry to MexicoCash (small bills) and a credit cardWater, about one gallon of water per person, per dayCoolerHiking shoes and clothesSunscreenHatFirst Aid KitBug spraySalty snacks/fruits/nutsPhone charger/mount
What should I budget for the Big Bend National Park Tour?
What you spend depends on the activities you do, but here’s a list of entry fees for the tour: Park entry costs $30 per car, valid for 7 days. Credit or debit card only.Boquillas Crossing - Modest fee to cross and enter Mexico and another fee for optional transportation to the village.
What are the park hours for the Big Bend National Park Tour?
The park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Please note, although the park is open year-round, some visitor centers, attractions, and areas of the park have varying hours of operation and seasonality. Learn more here. Here are some hours of operation for visitor centers on the tour: Castolon - Visitor Center open 10am-4pm November-April. Store open 10am-5pm daily year round.Chisos Basin - ​​Visitor Center open 8:30am-4pm daily, closed for lunch. Store open 8:30am-6pm daily. Lodge restaurant open 7am-8pm daily, closed 10am-noon.Panther Junction Visitor Center - Open 8:30am-5pm daily.Rio Grande Village Visitor Center - Open 10am-4:30pm daily, November-April. Closed for lunch.Boquillas Crossing - Open Wed-Sun 9am-4pm November-April. Open Fri-Mon 9am-4pm May-October
Can I join the Big Bend National Park Tour en route?
Yes! The tour has two starting points: Terlingua, TX, near Gallery Chisos on Route 118, outside Maverick Junction entrance gate and Persimmon Gap Entrance Gate, north of the park. Just make sure that you follow the numbers in chronological order from where you are starting from. If you don’t begin at one of the tour starting points you’ll miss a few stories, but you’ll still have a great experience.
Can I take the Big Bend National Park Tour in the opposite direction?
There is no reverse direction, but from either entrance, drivers can take the tour in whichever order they want. It’s a very customizable tour.
Other Questions? Contact us!
​​Still have questions? Send us an email at aloha@shakaguide.com or give us a call at (808) 201-8138.

You Might Also Like


Big Bend National Park Tour

$14.99


White Sands National Park Tour

$14.99

Download The Shaka Guide App

Get The Shaka Guide App

Join Our Newsletter!

We won't spam you! We’ll send you information about new tour releases, trip planning, and awesome stories.

Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter, we truly appreciate it!
Error! Something went wrong.